Business alliance Prosper has called for the responsible growth of Scotland’s salmon farming sector to be made a national economic priority, arguing that planning and regulatory processes must become more efficient to support investment and rural jobs.
In a position paper published on Thursday, the cross-sector membership organisation said Scotland should provide more predictable planning, consenting and regulatory frameworks to encourage growth and innovation.
The paper also highlighted the role of salmon farming in supporting employment and economic activity in rural and island communities.
The intervention was welcomed by Salmon Scotland, the trade body representing the sector.
“Prosper has added an important voice to the growing consensus that Scotland should back the responsible growth of salmon farming,” said chief executive Tavish Scott.
“This is a sector that supports jobs, investment, and economic activity in some of Scotland’s most fragile communities, while producing one of Scotland’s greatest export success stories.”
Scott said a more efficient and predictable regulatory system would help attract investment and support innovation.
Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export by value, with overseas sales exceeding £800 million annually. According to Salmon Scotland, the sector contributes around £1 billion to the economy each year and supports approximately 11,000 jobs.
